Today’s Wine Cellars & Wine Storage

Having a “wine cellar” nowadays can mean having a kitchen under-counter wine refrigerator, a custom wine cabinet, to a custom room specifically designed for wine storage, display, and tasting. There are two types of wine cellars, the “active wine cellar,” which is climate controlled to regulate temperature and humidity, and the “passive wine cellar,” which does not artificially control temperature and humidity usually built underground to prevent climate fluctuations.

Wine cellars can be a simple beautiful room equipped with wine racks or it could be a custom-built designed space meant to increase the appeal of the home and showcase a wine collection. They artfully display the wine enthusiast’s investment, some with murals, elegant wood paneling, and/or detailed glasswork. Certain cellars are even equipped to host wine tastings while relaxing among the bottles.

The climate control system is a most important attribute. Proper wine cooling systems keep the temperature between 55 and 57° F and the humidity level between 50 and 80%. Keeping wine at the correct temperature and humidity will help it to age well, improving over time the wine’s flavor and bouquet.

Wine cellars and wine rooms, both beautiful and useful, is a place to enjoy one’s wine while time improves it. Wine cellars differ from home to home, using their beautiful attributes to make an individualized statement about the wine enthusiast and the collection.